Coming at a pivotal time in UK politics, Portrait of Britain, the British Journal of Photography’s annual photography exhibition, is back for 2019 and Hoxton Mini Press will once again be producing the accompanying publication. The winning photographs from this open-call competition are selected by a panel of expert judges and will be displayed on digital billboard screens nationwide at the same time as the book’s launch – in train stations, airports, shopping centres and on high streets – where they are seen by over 10 million people. These captivating portraits celebrate the diversity, culture and identity of Britain at a critical time in its history.

CLEANING THE NETS by Ann Chown Hastings, East SussexPete, Simon and Lawrence are from a long line of fishermen. They have worked at the Stade, home of the UK’s largest beach-based fishing fleet, for many years.

CALLUM by Laura Pannack Tipton, West MidlandsI’ve been exploring what it’s like to grow up in Tipton and what it means to feel ‘grown up’. Working with young people in the area, we have been shooting at their favourite hangouts.

SASKIA WAITING TO LEAVE FOR CRICKET PRACTICE by Mark Harrison. Tunbridge Wells, KentSaskia, 11, is my neighbour’s daughter. Watching my friends take their girls to cricket practice has made me appreciate how much more equality there is now in the UK for young women.

THE CLAIRVOYANT by Chris Taylor Brighton, East SussexWhen I happened upon Eva Petulengro, who is a clairvoyant and astrologer, I knew nothing of her fame or history. She has had many famous clients. The way she was sitting in a relaxed and almost regal way caught my attention.

UNTITLED by John Fowler Worthing, West Sussex

WEE MUCKERS: YOUTH OF BELFAST by Toby Binder Belfast, County AntrimA group of friends gathers at Woodvale Park on the night of 11th July to celebrate the victory of Protestant King William of Orange over Catholic King James II at the Battle of the Boyne in 1690.

HARRIET AND HER GIRLS PACKING UP HOME by Liz Hingley LondonHarriet Muhiza and her daughters are among the hundreds of residents in London who are being rehoused to make way for the new HS2 railway that will connect the north and south of England. For families like Harriet’s the process of being displaced by major urban developments is hugely disruptive and unsettling.

CAPTAIN BEANY by Alecio Ferrari Port Talbot, West GlamorganCaptain Beany changed his name from Barry Kirk by deed poll in May 1991. A much-loved local character, he is a fundraising superhero who has raised thousands of pounds for good causes.

JUDITH KERR by Neil Spence LondonAcclaimed writer and illustrator Judith Kerr wrote many much-loved children’s books including The Tiger Who Came to Tea. I wanted to ask her to imitate the tiger and found the courage to do so for the last shot of the sitting.

ONE-WOMAN PROTEST by Oliver Woods LondonThis lady was protesting alone outside the BBC in central London over several days in October 2018. She was happy for me to take her picture but didn’t want to give her name. ‘I have to be anonymous because the cat lobby is very powerful,’ she said There was something very British about her protest that encompassed a love of wildlife, free speech, politeness and a desire to back the underdog.